WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The Wilmington chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has built more than 30 benches at WAVE Transit bus stops over the past year, benches that were placed without city or WAVE approval, violate city code and have been ordered removed, according to emails obtained by WECT Investigates.
A July 6 email from Wilmington City Attorney Meredith Everhart says the benches were not approved by the city or WAVE, aren’t the correct type of bench, aren’t ADA compliant, didn’t go through the required permitting process and carry political messaging, which isn’t allowed in public right-of-ways. The email said WAVE would notify the group that the benches must be removed, “at least until an appropriate process is followed.”
On July 14, WAVE Executive Director Mark Hairr sent a follow-up email…